John Prather

All interesting comments. Another factor that I muse over is that why can't one opt for some sort of annihilation if they don't like their eternity? To me, existing when you don't want to exist is pretty darn close to be a Hell.

I was wondering the other day; what will those not in the Celestial Kingdom do with their eternity? Stand around thinking about how they should have done better? Endless games of solitaire? Lay around in fetal positions cursing their mortal decisions?

I once had a young man on my case load who would always say, "It's not fair." I once pointed out to him that what he was really saying was, "I'm not getting my way!" There would be a near infinite list for things that are unfair. Since I had an epiphany (whilst in the 4th grade ) that the sun will one day burn out, I came to understand that all human endeavors will become meaningless. Money will not make you immortal. No matter how much one amasses you are still going to die. Then what? To be sure, bellies growl, people get cold and sick but people who have values and the correct perspective will be there with money (or some else appropriate) to help. I tend now to concern myself with what I can do and how I can help.

My proverbial two cents is this: a lot of life can happen between the time you go and the time you come back. Not sure y'all ages but the brain doesn't really settle down until about time you are 25 or so (results may vary). As I have said in my introduction, I do not believe in romantic love. I believe there is a flux of neural chemicals that take place in the brain that some call love.

By way of introducing myself, John Prather. Age in the middle to late 50's. Veteran & RM. Have a BA from BYU. Do not have a good track record as far as relationships go. In fact,I have concluded that there is no such thing as romantic love. I would be inclined to say that there isn't anything called love that exist. My professional career has been in social work/child welfare. If I were a Crayon colour I would be called, Disappointed & Bitter. However, with all my seemingly self-indulged paradoxes, I believe with all my heart that the Church is true.

If I were not LDS I would be a devout atheist.

I don't know whether it was the brevity of your post or an unspoken truth but I noticed that you did not say the world 'love'. I would advise you to take a break from this young lady and do some soul searching. Ask yourself what is it you want and way.

I have never thought that this was a hymn to Joseph Smith but rather a song reminding us of the restoration.